Device for attaching mouthpieces to cigarettes and the like



A ril 14, 1959 w. RICHTER 2,881,767

DEVICE FOR ATTACHING MOUTHPIECES TO CIGARETTES AND THE LIKE Filed June 19, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 1' P 1959 w. RICHTER 2,881,767

DEVICE FOR ATTACHING MOUT HPIECES TO CIGARETTES AND THE LIKE Filed June 19, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 mmim hum I %WLIC e1 April 14, 1959 w. RICHTER 2,881,767

DEVICE FOR ATTACHING MOUTHPIECES TO CIGARETTES AND THE LIKE Filed 'June 19, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 United States Patent O DEVICE FOR ATTACHING MOUTHPIE'CES TO CIGARETTES AND THE. LIKE Willy Richter, Hamburg-Bergedorf, Germany, 'assignor to Kurt Korber & Co., K.G., Hamburg-Bergedorf, Germany The invention relates to a device for attaching mouthpieces to cigarettes and the like.

Devices for attaching mouthpieces such as filters, recessed filters, tubular filters or other mouthpieces to cigarettes or the like by wrapping a connecting band around the joints between the cigarette bodies and the mouthpiece are well known in, the art. Devices are known in which the cigarettes are disposed in grooves of a conveying means and the connecting bands are wrapped around the cigarettes by means of movable elements. Hinged flaps are provided at the ends of said. movable elements, which latter are urged by helical springs against the cigarette mouthpiece groups. These flaps wrap the respective ends of the connecting band, one after the other, around the abutment points. The driving elements for these flaps have to perform reciprocating movement in longitudinal direction and also in the direction of the cigarette mouthpiece groups. This is a disadvantage since difficult accessible control mechanisms have to be provided inside the conveyor drum provided with axial grooves or grooved chains which are used as conveying means.

A further disadvantage of these wrapping'devices consists in this that the angle between the ends of the respective helical springs for the above-mentioned flaps decreases during the wrapping process, so that the pressure of the wrapping flaps against the abutment points at the end of the wrapping process is smaller than at the beginning of the process, due to the relaxation of the springs. This is undesirable because the pressure should be uniform and particularly great at the point where the respective ends of the connecting bands overlap. On the other hand, however, it is not advisable to adjust the pressure of. said flaps, which has to be adjusted to the density of the respective mouthpieces to the pressure value required at the overlapping point of the connecting band because then the pressure against the mouthpieces at the start of the wrapping process would be too great.

According to the invention the above disadvantages are eliminated. According to one object of the invention the drive members for the wrapping flaps perform an oscillating movement along a curved path extending around the grooves of the conveying means. Said drive members are adapted to the respective size of the cigarette mouthpiece groups. By means of this improved arrangement it is now possible to adjust the travel path.

for the drive members in such a manner that the angle between the ends of the helical springs will remain constant and will not cause a change in the tension of the springs. Particularly in case of cigarettes having a circular cross section the flaps can be fastened on drive members which extend concentrically around the cigarette axis, which makes the entire arrangement very simple. But also in case of cigarettes having an oval cross section the travel path for the drive members can be arranged in a very simple manner to be oval or elliptical. Another object of the invention is to provide an easy access to the drive members by arranging the same prefice erablynear the circumference of such as a rotary drum.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a crank drive for the drive members in which the shaft is disposed in the extension of the axis of the cigarette mouthpiece group.

The operation of the drive member may take place in any desired manner, for instance by gear rims, cams or the like. The two flaps of one wrapping device may be arranged on a common drive member or each of the flaps may be operated by a separate drive member.

The drawings illustrate by way of example two embodiments of the present invention.

In the drawings;

Figures 1 to 3 each show a section of the rim of a conveyor drum with axial grooves, and each figure shows a different step in the method of wrapping the connecting band by means of two flaps which are commonlycontrolled around a cigarette mouthpiece assembly.

Figure 4 is a cross-section view along the line A-.-B in Figure 1.

Figure 5 shows a part of a filter tip cigarette making machine, the wrapping drum of which is provided with commonly controlled flaps.

Figure 6 shows the drive means for the flaps in crosssection along the line CD in Figure 5.

Figure 7 shows a part of a wrapping drum as shown in Figure 5 in which each flap is controlled independently.

Figure 8 shows at a large scale, two-flaps which are controlled independently of each other.

Figure 9 shows in elevation the drive for the flaps which are controlled independently of each other, according to Figure 8.

the conveyor means,

Figure l0 shows the cross-section of the drive for the flaps along the line E-F in Figure 9.

Referring to the drawings, a drum with axial grooves on its circumference is used as a conveying means. This drum consists of two axially spaced circular discs 1 and 2 (Figure 4) with axially extending grooved bars 3 disposed between them. The cigarette mouthpiece groups MZ consist each of two axially aligned cigarettes Z and a mouthpiece M of double standard length disposed between these two cigarettes Z. These groups are placed in the grooves of the bars 3 and conveyed transversely to their longitudinal axis by the rotating drum. The cigarettes and the mouthpieces are to be connected with each other by means of the connecting bands 4. The groups are held in position in said'grooves in known manner by suction,grippers or the like.

One embodiment of thedevice for wrapping the connecting bands 4 around the cigarette mouthpiece groups comprises two flaps 5 and 6, rotatably mounted on a shaft 8, extending parallel to the grooved bars 3. The shaft 8 is disposed oscillatably by means of two crankarms 9 and 10 in slots 1a and 2a, respectively, provided in the discs 1 and 2, respectively. (See Figures 1 and 5.) This oscillating movement is indicated by the arrows. The two' crankarms are attached to crankshafts 21 disposed coaxially with the cigarette mouthpiece group MZ and are rotatably supported in bearings 11 and 12 and are driven, for instance, by a gearing 13. When rotated in clockwise direction the flap 6 during its movement to position 6 (see Figures 2 and 5) and under the action of the spring 7 follows the circumference of the group MZ and wraps one end of the connecting band 4 around the group MZ without rotating the fiap around the shaft 8, so that the tension of the spring is not changed. On the other hand, the other flap 5 glides with its free edge, under the tension of its spring 7 along the grooved bar 3 to the position 5.

A similar action takes place when the flaps are moved in the other direction, namely counter clockwise, because then the other end of the connecting band 4 is wrapped into the respective positions and 6" (See Figures} 7,

and 5.)

The drive by means of the gearing can be effected, for instance, by means of an. adjustable stationary cam track 14 "(Figure 6). The swingingmovement ,of, the shaft 8 by the crankarms 9 and 10 iseifected by means of a' roller travelling along a cam track 14. The roller 15 actuates the gearseg'ment 1sov its axis 17 and the 16 and thereby the gear segment 18 rotates about its axis 19 so that the gear 20 is rotated and the latter rotates the crankshaft 21. The roller 15 is urged by means of a spring 18a against the cam, track 14.

' According to another embodiment of the invention the device comprises two flaps 22 and .(see Figures 7 and 8) but the same are actuated and controlled independently of each other. They are rotatably disposed around their own shafts 25 and 26 which are movable along the slots 1a, 2a, respectively, in the discs 1 and 2 (see Figures 7, 8 and 10) by means of crankarms 27, 28 and 29, 30, respectively, from their initial position or so-called zero position, shown in the drawings into their operative position in the direction of the arrows and then back into the zero position. The flaps are under the action of the springs 24. The crankshaft 31, disposed coaxially to the groups MZ (see Figures 9 and 10) is connected with the shaft 25 by the crankarms 27 and 29, and is supported in the tubular crankshaft 32. The shaft 25 is actuated by a roller 35 which travels along an adjustable stationary cam track 36. The roller 35 hereby actuates the gear segment 34 over its axis 38 and the arms 37, around its axis 39 and thus rotates over the gear 33 the crankshaft 3 1. The roller 35 is urged against the cam track 36 by meansof the spring 34a.

; The tubular crankshaft 32, which is also disposed coaxially to the group MZ is connected with the shaft 26 by the crankarms 29 and and receives in its borethe crankshaft 31. The shaft 31 is rotatably supported in the bearings 41. I v d The shaft-26 is oscillated by the roller 44, which is traveling along the other adjustable stationary cam track 45. The roller 44 actuates hereby over its axis 47 and the arm 46 the gear segment 43 around its axis 39 and thus rotates the gear 42 and the crankshaft 32. The roller 44 is urged against the cam track 45 by the spring 43a.

Different actions with respect to the wrapping of the connecting bands can be obtained by an appropriate form or shape of the stationary-cam tracks 36 and '45 and by the suitable adjustment of the cams relative to each other.,

It is thus possible to individually actuate in desired manner the flaps 22 and 23 as illustrated in Figure 7.

Prior to the start of the wrapping of one of the ends of the connecting band 4 (Figure 7) by the flap 23, the other flap 22 is rotated a small amount to the position 22' so that the group MZ will be given a lateral support in addition to the support it receives from the grooved bar 3. Subsequently the flap 23 which follows the circumference of the group MZ under the action of its spring 24 will swing into its-position 23". During the following portion of the wrapping method the flap 23 moves only to the position 23', and the flap 22 remains in its position 22' and thus takes over the lateral support of the group MZ. Subsequently the flap 22 moves out of its position 22' and following the circumference of the group under the action of its spring 24, swings into the position 22" and terminates thus the wrapping of the connecting band 4. Both flaps 22 and 23 then return to their starting positions, the so-called zero position.

"In the described embodiments of the invention cigarettes of circular cross-section were used. But the device can be used with good results with cigarettes having an oval cross-section. 0bviously, in the latter case the semicircular guiding slots 1a and 2a will have to be changed to aton ng], group whereby the fla ps and 6 mov Slots; the fI'CB 'I ldS thefl aps 5 6 or 22 and 23, respectively, can follow accurately the cir; fcumference of thecigarette mouthpiece groups.

I claim:

1. In a device for attaching mouthpieces to cigarettes by means of wrapping a-connecting band around the joints formed between axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpieces, a rotary conveyor means provided with axial grooves into which axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpiece groups are placed and to which a connecting band is applied, shaft.means extending parallel to each said grooves and arranged to move in a curved path around the axis of the cigarette mouthpiece. groups in each said grooves, flaps rotatably mounted on'said shaft means, springs tending to urge said flaps in a direction in which the flaps engage said connecting band to wrap the same around said cigarette mouthpiece groups when said shaft means moves along said curved path, and means for moving said shaft means along said curved path, first in one direction to cause said flaps to engage and wrap one end of said connecting band and then in the opposite direction to engage and wrap the other end of said connecting band around said cigarette mouthpiece groups.

12. In a device for attaching mouthpiece cigarettes by means of wrapping a connecting band around the joints formed between axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpieces, a rotary conveyor means provided with axial grooves into which axially aligned cigarettes and mouth piece groups are placed and to which a connecting band is applied, shaft means extending parallel to each said grooves and arranged to move in a curved path around the axis of the cigarette mouthpiecegroups in each said grooves, flaps rotatably mounted on said shaft means, springs tending to urge said'flaps in a direction in which the flaps engage said connecting band to wrap the same around said cigarette mouthpiece groups when said shaft means moves along said curved path, means for moving said shaft means along said curved path, first inone Y direction to cause said flaps to engage and wrap one end of said connecting band and then in the opposite direction to engage and wrap the other end of said connecting band around said cigarette mouthpiece groups, said means for moving said shaft means including crankshaft means arranged-in axial alignment with each said cigarette mouthpiece groups, crank arms on said crankshaft means to which said shaft means are attached, and gearing means for rotating said crankshaft'means first in one direction and then in the other direction during the rotation of said rotary conveyor means.

3. In a device for attaching mouthpieces to cigarettes by means of wrapping a connecting band around the joints formed between axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpieces, a rotary conveyor means provided with axial grooves into whichaxially aligned cigarettes and mouthpiece groups are placed and to which a connecting band is applied, a shaft extending parallel to each said grooves and arranged to move in a curved path around the axis of the cigarette mouthpiece groups in each said groove, flaps rotatably mounted on said shaft, springs tending to urge said flaps in a direction in which the flaps engage said connecting band to wrap the same around said cigarette mouthpiece group when said shaft is caused to move along said curved path, and means'for moving said shaft transversely to its axis along said curved path, first in one direction to cause said flaps to engage and wrap one end of said connecting band and then .in the opposite direction to engage and wrap the other end of said connecting band around said cigarette mouthpiece groups.

' axial grooves into which axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpiece groups are placed and to which a connecting band is applied, a shaft extending parallel to each said grooves and arranged to move in a curved path around the axis of the cigarette mouthpiece groups in each said groove, flaps rotatably mounted on said shaft, springs tending to urge said flaps in a direction in which the flaps engage said connecting band to wrap the same around said cigarette mouthpiece group when said shaft is caused to move along said curved path, means for moving said shaft transversely to its axis along said curved path, first in one direction to cause said flaps to engage and wrap one end of said connecting band and then in the opposite direction to engage and wrap the other end of said connecting band around said cigarette mouthpiece groups, said means for moving said shaft transversely to its axis including a crankshaft arranged in axial alignment with each said cigarette mouthpiece groups, a crankarm on said crankshaft to which said shaft is attached and a gearing for rotating said crankshaft first in one direction and then in the opposite direction during the rotation of said rotary conveyor means.

5. 'In a device for attaching mouthpieces to cigarettes by means of wrapping a connecting band around the joints formed between axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpieces, a rotary conveyor means provided with axial grooves into which axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpiece groups are placed and to which a connecting band is applied, two parallel shafts extending parallel to each said grooves and arranged to move in a curved path around the axis of the cigarette mouthpiece groups in each said grooves, a flap rotatably mounted on each said two shafts, a spring on each said two shafts tending to urge the flap on the respective shaft in a direction in which the flap engages said connecting band to wrap the same around said cigarette mouthpiece groups when said shafts move along said curved path, and means for moving said shafts along said curved path, first in one direction to cause said flaps to engage and wrap one end of said connecting band and then in the opposite direction to engage and wrap the other end of said connecting band around said cigarette mouthpiece groups.

6. In a device for attaching mouthpieces to cigarettes by means of wrapping a connecting band around the joints formed between axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpieces, a rotary conveyor means provided with axial grooves into which axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpiece groups are placed and to which a connecting band is applied, two parallel shafts extending parallel to each said grooves and arranged to move in a curved path around the axis of the cigarette mouthpiece groups in each said grooves, a flap rotatably mounted on each said two shafts, a spring on each said two shafts tending to urge the flap on the respective shaft in a direction in which the flap engages said connecting band to wrap the same around said cigarctte mouthpiece groups when said shafts move along said curved path, means for moving said shafts along said curved path, first in one direction to cause said flaps to engage and wrap one end of said connecting band and then in the opposite direction to engage and wrap the other end of said connecting band around said cigarette mouthpiece groups, said means for moving said two shafts including two crankshafts, one for each said shafts, said two crankshafts being arranged in axial alignment with their respective cigarette mouthpiece group, crankarms on said crankshafts, one of said shafts being attached to the crankarms of one of said crankshafts and the other one of said shafts being attached to the crankarms of the other crankshaft and gearing means for rotating said crankshafts first in one direction and then in the other direction during the rotation of said rotary conveyor means.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6, in which one of said two crankshafts is tubular and forms a bearing for the other crankshaft which extends through the bore of said tubular crankshaft.

8. In a device for attaching mouthpieces to cigarettes by means of wrapping a connecting band around the joints formed between axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpieces, a rotary conveyor means provided with axial grooves into which axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpiece groups are placed and to which a connecting band is applied, shaft means extending parallel to each said grooves and arranged to move in a curved path around the axis of the cigarette mouthpiece groups in each said grooves, flaps rotatably mounted on said shaft means, springs tending to urge said flaps in a direction in which the flaps engage said connecting band to wrap the same around said cigarette mouthpiece groups when said shaft means move along said curved path, means for moving said shaft means along said curved path, first in one direction to cause said flaps to engage and wrap one end of said connecting band and then in the opposite direction to engage and wrap the other end of said connecting band around said cigarette mouthpiece groups, said means for moving said shaft means including crankshaft means arranged in axial alignment with each said cigarette mouthpiece groups, crankarms on said crankshaft means to which said shaft means are attached, gearing means for rotating said crankshaft means first in one direction and then in the other direction during the rotation of said rotary conveyor means, a cam on said rotary conveyor means, and a pivotally mounted arm on said gearing means engaging said cam and being oscillated by the latter to operate said gearing means which in turn rotates said crankshaft means.

9. In a device for attaching mouthpieces to cigarettes by means of wrapping a connecting band around the joints formed between axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpieces, a rotary conveyor means provided with axial grooves into which axially aligned cigarettes and mouthpiece groups are placed and to which a connecting band is applied, said rotary conveyor means being provided also with curved slots extending about said axial grooves, shaft means extending through said curved slots and arranged to move along the same and about the axis of the cigarette mouthpiece groups in each said grooves, flaps rotatably mounted on said shaft means, springs tending to urge said flaps in a direction in which the flaps engage said connecting band to wrap the same around said cigarette mouthpiece groups when said shaft means moves along said curved slots, and means for moving said shaft means along said curved slots, first in one direction to cause said flaps to engage and wrap one end of said connecting band and then in the opposite direction to engage and wrap the other end of said connecting band around said cigarette mouthpiece groups.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,808,060 Pollmann Oct. 1, 1957 

